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Tag: Ebonyi

  • APC Ebonyi South senatorial Ticket: Appeal Court upholds Umahi’s candidacy

    APC Ebonyi South senatorial Ticket: Appeal Court upholds Umahi’s candidacy

    An Abuja Court of Appeal has confirmed, Governor David Umahi as the Senatorial candidate of Ebonyi South.

    Princess Ann Agom-Eze’s suit against the governor’s emergence as the district’s senatorial candidate, was on Friday, rejected by the court.

    Recall, following Umahi’s failure to clinch the APC presidential ticket, on Thursday, June 9, 2022, the party was said to have rescheduled a senatorial primary election for Ebonyi South, in which Umahi emerge as the winner.

    The first election conducted was won by Umahi’s brother, Chief Austin Umahi, however, the runner-up of the election, Agom-Eze, frowned at the governor’s emergence as the senatorial candidate of the district.

    Ago-Eze then took the issue before a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, and on Friday, July 22, 2022, the court disqualified Governor Umahi and averred that Agom-Eze, who was the second runner-up in the May 28, 2022 primaries, and should be allowed to contest the 2023 senatorial election.

    Another election was later conducted on July 30, 2022. but Umahi was again declared the winner of the senatorial seat.

    Agom-Eze then again challenged Governor Umahi’s emergence as the Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone candidate at a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki.

    The court in August, recognised Agom-Eze as the senatorial candidate for the Zone.

    However, the Court of Appeal in its judgement today, set aside the High Court’s decision and all its orders.

    The Appellate Court also held that the High Court was wrong when it upheld Ann’s Counter-affidavit and failed to uphold the primary election of 9th June, 2022, whereat Governor Umahi was nominated as the APC Senatorial candidate, as the nomination was never challenged by anybody within 14 days as prescribed by section 285(9) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The court in Abuja proceeded to grant all the reliefs sought by Governor Umahi and the APC in the trial court.

  • 2023: INEC clears Umahi, 79 others for NASS elections in Ebonyi

    2023: INEC clears Umahi, 79 others for NASS elections in Ebonyi

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Tuesday published the list of 80 successful candidates, including Gov. David Umahi, for the 2023 National Assembly elections in Ebonyi.

    The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Joseph Chukwu, disclosed this at a news briefing at the INEC headquarters on Tuesday in Abakaliki.

    Chukwu said that the list had been displayed at the state headquarters and INEC Offices in the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

    He said that the commission cleared 32 presidential and vice presidential candidates from the 18 registered political parties for the 2023 poll.

    He said the display of the list of cleard candidates was in compliance with section 32 (1) of the Electoral Act.

    The section provides that the names of candidates sponsored by political parties shall be published 150 days before the election.

    A breakdown of the list showed 29 Senatorial and 51 House Representatives candidates from the three senatorial districts and six federal constituencies of Ebonyi.

    Gov. Dave Umahi made the senatorial list as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Ebonyi South.

  • No policeman was killed in Ebonyi assailants’ attack – Police

    No policeman was killed in Ebonyi assailants’ attack – Police

    No policeman was killed in Thursday’s attack by hoodlums at Nkomoro, in Ebonyi, the police have declared.

    Police spokesman in the state, SP Chris Anyanwu confirmed in a statement that there was actually an attack on a police patrol team.

    He stated that contrary to an online publication, there was no fatality in the attack.

    Anyanwu added that police operatives who sustained injuries in the attack were responding to treatment in a hospital.

    “On Thursday, a police patrol team attached to Ezza North Divisional Headquarters, was ambushed by a gang of hoodlums who shot sporadically at the team.

    “A quick response by the patrol men got the hoodlums scampering to safety with bullet injuries.

    “The aftermath of the encounter left a patrol vehicle burnt by the miscreants but no life was lost on the side of the police team.

    “Two policemen who sustained injuries as a result of the attack are responding to treatment in the hospital.

    “It is pertinent to state that this is the first and only press statement emanating from Ebonyi Police Command on the callous attack.

    “We, hereby debunk as lies, the claim that two policemen were killed. Also, I never confirmed any such fallacious report to Mr Oko Nweke of HURIDE and others that replicated the falsehood.

    “Furthermore, none of our weapons was carted away by the hoodlums as reported,’’ Anyanwu stated.

    He added that police tactical teams have arrested a number of suspects in the area and the investigation is on-going.

  • Gov. Umahi tasks incoming LG officials on good governance, revenue generation

    Gov. Umahi tasks incoming LG officials on good governance, revenue generation

    Gov.  David Umahi of Ebonyi has tasked elected officials of Local Government Councils to explore and find a way to generate more revenue to enable them deliver on the mandate of the people.

    Umahi gave the charge, on Thursday in Abakaliki while declaring open a seven- day capacity building workshop for the newly elected council Chairmen, vice Chairmen, ward councillors and Development Centres Coordinators in the state.

    Represented by the Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, Umahi advised them to face leadership with  business-minded approach to be able to make right investments.

    “Any government that is not profit oriented, cannot deliver on the mandate of the people,” Umahi said.

    ”You must always make right decisions that would change the fortunes of the society.

    “You must not abdicate your responsibilities as a leader. Learn how to make right decisions and know that the reason for your appointment is to become a problem- solver,” he said.

    The governor stressed on the need for leaders in the 21st century to wear the garment of authority to influence the behaviour and conducts of their subjects to achieve results.

    Also speaking, Mr Donatus Njoku, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development said that the workshop was aimed at preparing the participants to succeed in the tasks ahead of them.

    He noted that resource persons were rightly selected to put the participants through.

    Also, Mr Sunday Agbo, a Participant and Coordinator of Effium Development Centre Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, said that the training was apt.

    Agbo said the essence of the enlightenment was to instil discipline, cultivate attitude of integrity in areas of their duties.

    “The training will expose public office holders at the grassroots to always uphold ethics of public practice,” Agbo said.

    Another Participant, Mr Charles Ani, Councilor representing Abakaliki Urban Ward, said that the training would enable them to carryout their duties effectively as expected of a leader.

    Newsmen reports that the capacity building featured training on integrity, transparency, ethics, and code of conduct.

  • Umahi receives national taskforce, expresses worry over arms proliferation

    Umahi receives national taskforce, expresses worry over arms proliferation

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has expressed worry over the proliferation of small arms and ammunitions in the country.

    The Governor expressed the worry while receiving the Director General of the National Task force/National Commission on Proliferation of Small Arms and Ammunitions, Baba Muhammed, and his team in Abakaliki, Monday.

    The Governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the National Assembly for their wisdom in setting up the taskforce.

    He further thanked the Director General of the Commission for his patriotic disposition in the discharge of his mandate and enjoined other Leaders of the Nation to always adhere to Federal character principle in their service to the nation.

    The Governor said: “I commend the President, National Assembly people for the Initiative.

    “The level of arms in the society is so terrible.

    “I think you would also turn your eyes to the borders and then these locally manufactured weapons.

    So, this will work and it will be very helpful.”

    Governor Umahi further advocated for the reinvigoration of the federal character principle in allocation of positions in the country, adding that such would help reduce tension and agitations.

    “I will continue to say that we have Federal character and nobody should shy away from saying that.

    “Those who intentionally exclude South East from the affairs of the Nation should remember that it must not end the way they wish it.

    “We should try to be fair in this Country if we say that we are brothers and sisters.

    Governor Umahi, during the event, also set up a 10-man Committee to work with the National Taskforce/ Commission in the State to facilitate the enlistment of over 4,000 Ebonyians.

    The Taskforce team is made up of the Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala; the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cletus Ofoke; the Head of service, Dr. Rita Okoro; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Chief Chooks Oko, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, Mr. Panchris Eze.

    Others are the Principal Secretary, Chief Emmanuel Obasi and Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Barrister Chioma Nweze.

    Earlier, the Leader of the delegation, Dr. Baba Muhammed said they were in the State to appreciate the Governor for his assistance to the Commission including the provision of Office accommodation, and to intimate him on other programmes of the Commission.

    He announced the designation of Ebonyi State as the Headquarters for Zone 12 of the Commission in its task of mopping up firearms and Ammunitions in the hands of unauthorized persons.

    The Governor was joined in receiving the Commission by Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe and members of the State Executive Council.

  • Ebonyi: Why Umahi is afraid of losing APC senatorial ticket

    Ebonyi: Why Umahi is afraid of losing APC senatorial ticket

    Princess Ann Agom-Eze, who is challenging Governor David Umahi’s emergence as the  APC Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone candidate, on Sunday, said the governor is afraid of being defeated by a woman.

    Agom-Eze made this known while responding to her alleged sack from APC by the party’s zonal leadership at Afikpo North Local Government Area headquarters. She argued that the zonal leadership has no such right to sack her, hence the matter is pending at the appeal court sitting in Enugu State.

    She denied committing any crime against the party to warrant her sack other than her persistence to reclaim her senatorial ticket mandate, which according to her, is being forcefully taken away by Umahi.

    Agom-Eze insisted that Umahi has utilized his opportunity by contesting for President and cannot contest again in this electoral year.

    “This matter is pending at the Court of Appeal, Enugu. How can I be suspended at the APC zonal office? What is my crime? Insisting on the mandate right? Or because Governor Umahi wants the ticket? Where will he take it to? By contesting for the President, he has used his opportunity for this electoral year. He needs to accept the truth.

    “Their action in Afikpo Is a show of desperation. Being afraid of being defeated by a woman, so he has decided to cut corners thinking that is the easiest way of achieving a result he can never get.

    “The 2022 electoral process is his biggest problem and he cannot even win this, after spending Ebonyi money on bribe, can’t change the law. He should be a law abiding citizen and wait for the judgment of the appeal court rather than resorting to intimidation and harassment. No matter what he does the law must take its cause because no one is above the law,” she said.

  • APC expels Umahi’s opponent for senatorial ticket

    APC expels Umahi’s opponent for senatorial ticket

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone has expelled Mrs Ann Agom-Eze from the party over alleged rebellious and unruly behaviours.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Sunday by the party chairman in the state, Mr Stanley Okoro-Emegha.

    Agom-Eze was Gov. David Umahi’s main challenger for the Ebonyi South senatorial ticket of the APC ahead of the 2023 polls.

    On July 22, a Federal High Court in Abakaliki ordered a rerun of the senatorial primary election after one of the contenders, the governor’s younger brother, Mr Austine Umahi, had withdrawn from the race.

    After the court judgment, APC conducted a fresh primary election on July 31 where Gov. Umahi emerged winner.

    Okoro-Emegha stated on Sunday that Agom-Eze rebelliously jeopardised her membership by violating APC’s Constitution, which prohibits any act of dishonesty capable of disparaging the party or its member(s).

    He added that Agom-Eze was initially expelled by the ward executives of APC in her Umudomi Ward in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.

    “The chairman of APC, Ebonyi South Zone, Mr Ernest Nwazi through a motion, expelled Agom-Eze form the party citing rebellious and unruly behaviour.

    “The chairman stated also that she fundamentally violated some sections of the party’s Constitution,’’ he stated.

    “Agom-Eze has recklessly disparaged herself by eating back her words in an effort to satisfy her paymasters.

    “Since her expulsion started from her ward, I cannot interfere with the decision because politics is a grassroots engagement.

    “We are well schooled in her antics as she is being bankrolled by the opposition party,’’ he added.

    Okoro-Emegha stated also that the APC would convincingly deliver all its candidates including Gov. Umahi at the 2023 general elections.

    “The APC Ebonyi South zonal meeting which took place at Afikpo North Local Government Area headquarters witnessed massive turnout of party faithful.

    “They came from additional four council areas of Afikpo North, Ivo, Ohaozara and Onitcha,’’ Okoro-Emegha stressed.

  • Market: Umahi bans selling, buying of lands, shops in Ebonyi

    Market: Umahi bans selling, buying of lands, shops in Ebonyi

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has warned against illegal selling and buying of lands and shops at the popular Kpirikpiri market in the state.

    This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Abakaliki by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji.

    Umahi warned the people involved to desist from the transaction, noting that the state government would punish perpetrators.

    “It has come to the notice of the governor that some local government officials of Ebonyi Local Government Council are illegally selling lands and shops at Kpirikpiri Market.

    “The sellers and buyers should know that the market is within the capital and as such belongs to the state government.

    “We hereby, give notice of revocation of all lands and shops at Kpirikpiri market.

    “All occupants are directed to proceed to the state Ministry of Market Development for appropriate documentation and payment to government.

    “Take note that where such occupants fail and or neglect to come to the ministry for documentation and payment within the stipulated time, they shall be held responsible for breach of the state Land Use Regulations,” he advised.

    The governor noted that after seven days from Wednesday, all lands and shops whose occupants failed to make their papers and appropriate payments would be shut.

    “All the perpetrators, no matter whom they are, shall be brought to book,’’he said.

    The governor stressed that the state government had not given anyone the right to sell any shop or land at the Kpirikpiri market, adding that, “all concerned have been sufficiently admonished’’.

  • 2023: Dave Umahi loses APC senatorial ticket

    2023: Dave Umahi loses APC senatorial ticket

    A Federal High Court in Abakaliki on Friday, dismissed suit filed by Gov Dave Umahi seeking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept him as the Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate for 2023 polls.

    The court also recognized Mrs Ann Agom-Eze, who came second in the May 28 primary of the APC in the state and ordered INEC to conduct fresh primary within 14 days for the zone to accommodate Agom-Eze.

    Recall that Umahi through his counsel, Roy Nweze, had dragged INEC to the Federal High Court, compeling the commission to recognize him as the authentic senatorial candidate for the zone.

    Mr Austin Umahi (the governor’s younger brother), a contender had withdrawn at the second primary election conducted on June 9, 2022, wherein the governor was reported to have won unopposed.

    Justice Fatun Riman, in his judgement, noted that Umahi was not an aspirant and could not participate in the election or pre-election matters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as regards the Ebonyi South zone, whose primary held on the May 28.

    Riman said that according to Section 115 of the Electoral Act 2022, the governor neither procured forms for nor participated in the election and could not claim any right based on the primary election.

    The Counsel to Mrs Ann Agom-Eze, Mr Nnaemeka Nwonwu, expressed satisfaction by the judgement.

    “Yes, the court has ordered APC to conduct fresh primary to ratify the candidacy of our client, Ann Agom-Eze, who took the second position as governor’s younger brother has withdrawn.

    “The court has given 14 days from today, Friday to conduct a fresh primary for the zone,” he said.

    Efforts to get the reaction of Counsel to Umahi, Mr Roy Nweze were abortive.

  • Ebonyi gov, Umahi carries out minor cabinet reshuffle

    Ebonyi gov, Umahi carries out minor cabinet reshuffle

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle in his effort to ensure good governance for the people.

    The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji, made this known while addressing newsmen after the state weekly executive meeting and the swearing-in of the new members in Abakaliki on Thursday.

    Orji said the former Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Environment, Mr Sunday Ugwuocha, was sworn-in as substantive commissioner and deployed as Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development.

    “The former Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Clement Nweke has been redeployed to the Ministry of Project Monitoring.

    “Mr Mark Onu, Special Assistant (SA) on Youth Mobilisation is now Special Assistant to the governor on drug control.

    “Mr Njoku Ozoemena, Special Assistant on Solid Minerals is to be reassigned by the Deputy Governor, Mr Ofoke Kerian Emeka, SA on Attitudinal Change is to be reassigned by the Deputy Governor,” he said.

    On empowerment programme, the commissioner said that the executive received the final report on the empowerment of youths and women.

    “In the proposal, each beneficiary is to receive N300,000. We have approved the final list of 3,000 beneficiaries and further set up a committee to prepare a proposal for the launch of the empowerment programme.

    “The executive also released N900 million for empowerment which is a by-product of the #ENDSARS.

    “The beneficiaries should go to the office of the deputy governor for final verification and documentation,” he said.

    Orji said that the list should be forwarded to the office of the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation for publication in at least two national dailies ahead of the disbursement flag-off .

    He added that the state government will be unveiling the programme by the first week of August.